Chapter fifteen; Servitude.

"There is no need for you to do this Alanna!"  Gary, Raoul and Alex grinned at each other. They had seen many such arguments between Jon and the stubborn Princess of the Rogue

"There is need. Trust me." She stood in the middle of Jon's room, hand on her hips as the other knights lolled on the couch and chair, and Jon sat on the edge of the bed.

"I do trust you." He spoke patiently, as if to a small child, "But how can I be hurt  here at the Palace? I'm surrounded by knights and guards."

She raised a sceptical eyebrow at him.

"And you mean to tell me that you are with them all the time?"

"No, but..."

"Can they, "She gestured at the amused knights, "protect you all the time?"

"Could you?" he asked, standing up and wandering over to the window.

"More easily yes. I know, or have very strong suspicions who is trying to kill you."

"Why wont you tell us?" Alex asked, "So we can help protect Jon from them as well."

"Because I don't think you'll believe me." Alanna sighed, "Look Jon, I don't want you to die. I have few enough friends as it is without losing more. So please, just met me stay. He wont expect a girl to be able to fight, so if you are attacked we'll have an advantage."

"Aren't you worried about Selket attacking at the Dove?" Jonathon said, turning to face her.

"Liam's there. And Stephan has messenger birds I can use if need be."

He sighed, giving in.

"Very well." She smiled,

"Good. I'll come back tonight. I'll have to use a glamour while I'm here. What colour hair should I have?"

"Brown." Gary suggested

"Okay. I'll see you tonight." As the door shut behind her, Raoul remarked,

"I wonder what has her so worried about you Jon."

"Or who." Jon added darkly.

"What ever it is, it must be really serious for her to want to move into the palace." Gary said.

"Why wouldn't she tell us who she suspects though" Alex asked.

"She doesn't think we trust her enough." Jon said. "All the same, this is going to make things a lot more interesting around here, what with Roger just arriving as well."

"You don't think..." Raoul began,

"Of course not. Why would she think anything bad of Roger? He has no reason to hurt me." Jon protested.

Alex spoke quietly, but firmly in a tone which left them all serious and thoughtful.

"Nothing, except the throne."